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Jan 31

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Watchman Textured

This week, The Digital Photography School posted a helpful tutorial on how to add textures to your images. CLICK HERE. Adding textures is really easy in either Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (I recommend version 9) and although it can be trial and error, it’s always fun.

It reminded me of an image from last October of the Watchman and Virgin River in Zion National Park. Because it was an extremely overcast day, a straight photo would have been disappointing so I visualized the scene with added textures and shot it with that purpose in mind. I’m really happy with the result!

Jan 30

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Milkweed Seeds

On a hike yesterday, we came across a huge Rambling Milkweed vine which made me think about how much fun it is to photograph the seedpods once they burst open. Can’t wait to do it again! Here’s a shot from last year. Captured with a Lensbaby.

Jan 29

Desert Broom

Desert Broom gets a bad rap here even though it’s a native. In the desert, it minds its own business growing along side other shrubs but if seeds land in disturbed soil, it grows so quickly that it is perceived to be an invasive. It’s also been accused of being highly allergenic but I’ve read this has been dis-proven. Personally I like it but I love all desert plants and really enjoy documenting their growth cycle. Here’s what it looks like after the fuzzy seeds have been blown off. (Desert Broom with a couple of texture layers)

Jan 28

Ranch History

Cattle Ranching is another fascinating part of our history here. Here’s a remnant from Browns Ranch. (Color image with added texture and color tinting to give an aged look.)

Jan 27

Ancient History

If you haven’t been to Spur Cross Ranch in Cave Creek, be sure to check out their hike schedule for the next hike to see these petroglyphs. The history of the area (our whole area!) is fascinating. Can’t get enough of it 🙂

Captured in 2007 with an infrared converted Canon S3 IS.

Jan 26

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Sunset Strip

I wonder if this photo will show up in Google searches for the other strip 🙂 (Panorama shot from my office window a few nights ago.)

Jan 25

Geology

I’m absolutely fascinated with the geology of our area and have been learning a little while collecting geology related photos for an up-coming MSC field guide. The top of Browns Mountain (in the background) is made up of volcanic rock from ancient lava flows. While looking for a good photo of the basalt all over the ground around the mountain, this odd depression caught my eye. Marianne Scenarian (as I’m sometimes called) pictures a lava bubble coming to the surface. Gotta ask about it 🙂

Jan 24

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Photography Exhibit

I’m honored to be among 7 photographers featured in an exhibit at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts (second street). Especially so because my 13 foot panorama of the McDowell Mountains is front and center! I also have several other pieces you might recognize if you follow my blog (bike/sunrise, 3 poppies and coyote). The panorama and coyote were mounted by Artisan Colour who I recommend HIGHLY! The panorama had to be especially difficult to work with but not only did they do a fantastic job but to my surprise they rushed it at no extra expense. Thanks so much guys! You have my work from now on 🙂

The exhibit is up from January 24 through February 16. CLICK HERE for a short video of the gallery space.

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